Valentino Rossi was already assured of his legendary status before this year’s MotoGP title was secured at Sepang, but the confirmation of his ninth World Championship across all classes in Malaysia added to his status as a legend.
Fourteen seasons have passed since the Italian made his debut in the 125cc class, and it was in this category that he claimed his first World title back in 1997 as an 18 year-old. In his second campaign, Rossi’s 11 Grand Prix wins – 13 podiums in total – delivered him the title on his Aprilia.
It was at Brno, where he finished third behind Noboru Ueda and Tomomi Manako, that Rossi was crowned champion in 1997 with three races of the season still to go. The young Italian’s celebration gave a hint of things to come, as he paraded down the track with a giant number one strapped to his back. Valentino Rossi had arrived…
Next week, motogp.com will bring you further Rossi celebration videos as his 250cc title and premier class triumphs are also recalled.